Chester Brings Joy Wherever He Goes

Chester and Joe Frenze are greeted by a patient at Putnam Hospital Center last week during a visit. ERIC GROSS Chester has the knack to bring joy wherever he goes!

The two-year old Shih-tsu pet therapy dog owned by Joseph Frenze of East Fishkill visits Putnam Hospital Center regularly, where the pooch interacts with patients as well as hospital staff.

“The patients love him,” said Frenze, who visits not only Putnam Hospital Center—which he called “our favorite”—but other medical facilities in Dutchess County as well as nursing homes and assisted living facilities in the region.

Bernie Fass of Somers, a volunteer at PHC who accompanies Chester each time he and his master visit the hospital, described the interaction between man and beast as “miraculous. Chester affects our patients emotionally. I’ve seen men and women with severe pain smile again when interacting with the dog because they no longer focus on their discomfort. Chester is a wonderfully therapeutic tool that allows a patient to recover much more quickly. A dog like Chester presents happiness and a feeling of security.”

The hospital’s Director of Volunteers, Michelle Piazza, agreed: “The patients love the dog, as do our staff members. When he walks down the halls we can barely get him into the patient rooms because employees from the offices as well as visitors want to pet Chester. It makes a difference and puts a smile on everyone’s face.”